Lonely Hearts and Yellow Ribbons

Book Description Click to toggle

Being apart from the one you love is the hardest thing to do, until you get them back to find they’ve changed…

PJ Ross Ervin is part of an elite force of rescue men from the Air Force. Only the best of the best make it through the program and get to wear the maroon beret. As such, he is proud of what he does and is happy to serve his country. The one drawback is that it takes him away from his long-time lover, Aden. Thankfully Ross’ deployment is over and he’s coming home.

Aden is excited to see Ross. But he can’t help but notice that his partner is having trouble adjusting back into the civilian world. Plus, there is the looming danger that Ross could be deployed again at any time. Will Ross have to leave to serve his county once more? And if so, can the pair survive the separation yet again?

Publisher's Note: This book has been previously published by Pride Publishing as part of the Aim High anthology.

General Release Date: 3rd November 2015

Excerpt Click to toggle

PPJ Ross Ervin reached out and touched the screen of his computer, as if he could really touch his lover, Aden. But since they were on Skype and thousands of miles away from each other, that was impossible.

Even over the crappy computer reception, Aden looked as good as ever. With his dark floppy hair, deep dimples and sparkling blue eyes, he still managed to keep his boyish looks, despite the fact he was in his late twenties.

“I miss you so much,” Ross said for what had to be the tenth time.

“I miss you too, but you’ll be home soon,” Aden returned.

Ross was at the end of his deployment, and it couldn’t come fast enough for him. After spending eight months apart from Aden, he couldn’t wait to have his lover back in his arms again. It seemed like forever since they had last held each other.

McCully, one of the men in Ross’ unit, snorted and rolled his eyes. For the most part, most of the guys in Ross’ group were understanding of him being gay, but there were still a few jerks. Unfortunately, McCully was one of them. Guess he hadn’t paid attention during the sensitivity training they’d all gone through after DADT had ended. Either that, or he just didn’t give a damn. Ross was betting on the latter.

But since McCully was his superior, Ross didn’t say anything. He just ignored him and continued to talk with Aden. Their talks were few and far between, and he’d be damned if he was going to let a jerk like McCully ruin it for him.

“How is Dowser doing?” Ross asked, referring to his big mutt of a dog.

“He’s moping around. I think he’s missing you too,” Aden said.

“Well, tell him I’ll be home soon and we can start going on our runs again. That should make him happy.”

Aden smiled. “Yeah, I think he yearns for your daily jogs. I tried taking him out with me, but I don’t think I’m fast enough for him.”

Ross started to say something else, but the siren sounded overhead, followed by the words “Scramble! Scramble!” letting them know that they had a call.

“Sorry, babe, I have to go. Love you,” Ross said.

“Love you too.”

Ross quickly disconnected the call, hating that his time with Aden had been cut short, then jumped to his feet and got into combat mode.

As a PJ for the Air Force, he was part of an elite unit. Only the best of the best made it into the program. They had to pass a rigorous test, plus grueling training. Not only were they the best medics, but they were the ones that would go behind enemy lines to rescue the wounded. Many times, they would go in under fire to take out the hurt and dying. They were willing to put their own lives on the line so others might live.

About the author Click to toggle

Stephani Hecht is a happily married mother of two. Born and raised in Michigan, she loves all things about the state, from the frigid winters to the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. You can usually find her snuggled up to her laptop, creating her next book.